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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers Recipe – Easy Party Appetizer with Creamy Ranch Dip

air fryer jalapeno poppers - featured image

Spicy, cheesy jalapeno halves stuffed with a creamy bacon-cheese filling and air fried to crispy perfection, served with a cool homemade ranch dip. This easy appetizer is quick to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for parties or game nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 large fresh jalapeno peppers
  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 4 strips cooked bacon, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp buttermilk (or milk)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tsp dried chives
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry jalapeno peppers. Slice each in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds and membranes.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, bacon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
  3. Stuff each jalapeno half with the cheese mixture, pressing lightly to pack.
  4. Arrange filled jalapenos in the air fryer basket in a single layer, cheese side up. Use parchment liners if desired.
  5. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and edges are golden brown.
  6. While poppers cook, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for the ranch dip. Chill until serving.
  7. Remove poppers from air fryer and let cool for 2–3 minutes. Serve immediately with ranch dip.

Notes

For less spice, remove all seeds and membranes from jalapenos. Chill stuffed jalapenos before air frying to prevent cheese overflow. You can prep poppers ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook. For vegetarian, omit bacon or use plant-based bacon. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer. Freeze uncooked poppers and air fry from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to cook time.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer jalapeno poppers, party appetizer, ranch dip, easy snack, game day, finger food, spicy, cheesy, bacon, gluten-free, keto